Locals And Travelers Drive Across Illinois For French Toast At This Café
In a city full of breakfast options, Lou Mitchell’s has earned a legendary reputation for French toast that turns heads and fills stomachs.
Both locals and travelers navigate the streets of Chicago just to taste the golden, fluffy slices drenched in syrup and nostalgia.
Every bite feels like a warm morning hug, making it clear why people are willing to drive miles for this café’s classic take on a beloved breakfast.
That French Toast Is Basically a Loaf of Bread
One customer described it perfectly: the French toast is so thick it’s practically a small loaf of bread. We’re not talking about your average grocery store slices here.
Lou Mitchell’s takes their house-baked bread and cuts it into hefty slabs that could probably stop a bullet. When it hits the griddle, magic happens.
Golden, crispy on the outside, custardy soft on the inside, this isn’t breakfast. It’s an edible hug that’ll keep you full until dinner.
Free Donut Holes and Ice Cream Because Why Not
Walking into Lou Mitchell’s means instant gratification. Before you even order, they hand you donut holes to munch on while you wait.
Milk Duds get passed around too, because apparently this place moonlights as your favorite grandma. But wait, there’s more!
After you’ve demolished your massive breakfast, they send you off with complimentary soft serve ice cream. It’s like they’re rewarding you for surviving the meal, and honestly, you’ll need that sweet finale.
A Hostess in Her 90s Will Hold Your Hand
Customer service peaked somewhere around 1923, and Lou Mitchell’s refuses to let it go. Their adorable hostess, who’s rocking her 90s like a boss, will literally hold your hand as she guides you to your table.
It’s the kind of old-school charm that makes you want to call your grandma.
Combined with servers who’ve mastered the art of salty-yet-sweet banter, this place delivers hospitality that feels like a warm blanket on a cold Chicago morning.
Omelets So Fluffy They Defy Physics
People drive across state lines for these omelets, and it’s not an exaggeration. One visitor called it the best omelet of their entire life, which is saying something.
The secret? Nobody knows, but they’re impossibly fluffy, generously stuffed, and somehow taste like childhood Saturday mornings.
The spinach special gets rave reviews, but honestly, you could probably order the omelet plain and still have a religious experience. These eggs have seen things.
It’s Been Feeding Chicago Since 1923
At 102 years old, Lou Mitchell’s has seen more Chicago history than most museums. This place opened when Calvin Coolidge was president and flappers were all the rage.
Located just a hop from Union Station, it became the go-to spot for travelers starting their journey on Route 66.
The vintage charm isn’t manufactured or Instagram-bait. It’s authentic, worn-in, and real, with bright windows and decor that whispers stories from a century of breakfast rushes.
Greek Toast That’ll Make You Buy a Whole Loaf
Forget everything you know about raisin bread. Lou Mitchell’s bakes their Greek toast fresh, and it’s so ridiculously good that people buy entire loaves to take home.
At nine dollars and ninety-five cents for a loaf as long as your arm, it might be Chicago’s best-kept secret and biggest bargain.
Customers describe it as sinfully delicious, which is restaurant-speak for you’ll eat half the loaf in your car before you get home.
Closed Monday and Tuesday Just to Keep You Wanting More
Nothing says confidence like closing two days a week. Lou Mitchell’s operates Wednesday through Sunday, which is both frustrating and genius.
One heartbroken tourist lamented they would’ve eaten there all three days of their visit if not for those closures.
The hours are limited, opening at six in the morning Wednesday through Friday, at seven in the morning on weekends, and closing at two in the afternoon.
But when you’re this good, you don’t need to be open all week. Scarcity makes the heart grow fonder and the French toast taste sweeter.